As the sun continued to rise, casting golden rays over the luxurious camp in the Enchanted Forest, more and more figures of immense power began to arrive. Each entrance was marked by a hush of anticipation, the air thick with the auras of martial prowess and otherworldly strength. Among the new arrivals were some of the most formidable figures from the three major powers in Kumarikandam.
First to arrive was Lord Kaelith, a renowned figure from the Netherworld. His presence was as cold as the grave, with an aura that seemed to drain the warmth from the air. Clad in dark, flowing robes, his pale skin and sunken eyes hinted at the mysteries of life and death he commanded. Behind him stood a group of children, all emanating a sinister energy, their eyes devoid of light yet filled with a predatory sharpness.
Not long after, a second group emerged, representing the Celestial Haven. Leading them was Lady Seraphine, an ethereal beauty with flowing silver hair and eyes that seemed to glow with celestial light. Her presence was calming, yet the power she held was undeniable. The children behind her bore halos of light around their heads, their ethereal forms almost transparent. They were the paragons of purity and divine power, their auras clashing subtly with the darkness of the Netherworld group.
As the two groups settled in, whispers circulated among the gathered powerhouses about the sheer might present at this year's Mystic Dimension opening. However, the murmurings quieted abruptly as the sound of heavy, rhythmic footsteps reverberated through the forest.
The Raksha Clan had arrived.
A group of imposing figures entered the camp, their presence immediately drawing all eyes. This group was a mix of humans and beast-like humanoids, their forms brimming with raw power. Leading them was King Bhairava, a towering figure with a mane of wild black hair and eyes that burned with a primal fire. His body was heavily muscled, and every step he took seemed to shake the earth beneath him.
As King Bhairava approached Varunas, a broad grin spread across his face. The two kings clasped hands in a show of mutual respect, and Bhairava took a seat beside his childhood friend, his group standing behind him. Among them was a little girl who stood out starkly against the imposing figures. She looked like a delicate doll, with large innocent eyes and soft curls, yet she held a massive black hammer that seemed out of place in her small hands.
"This is my daughter, Kavya," King Bhairava introduced with pride. "Don't let her looks fool you. She was born with extraordinary physical strength, and she possesses Vajra Veins and a very ancient bloodline spirit."
Kavya nodded shyly, her grip tightening around the handle of her hammer. She was clearly a force to be reckoned with, despite her youthful appearance.
King Bhairava's eyes then fell on Rudhra, and his grin widened further. "So, this is the third prince, eh?" He laughed heartily, the sound booming across the camp. Without warning, he released his martial will, a crushing force that bore down on Rudhra like a mountain. The other children around Rudhra crumbled to the ground, unable to withstand the immense pressure.
Aelina, who was watching from a distance, instinctively tried to rush to Rudhra's side, but Lady Ilyana held her back, a look of amused curiosity on her face. "Interesting," Lady Ilyana murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "Very interesting…"
Rudhra felt the Raksha King's martial will trying to sink into his very bones, but instead of resisting consciously, he instinctively released his own martial will in response. The clash of wills was palpable, and the gathered powerhouses looked on in shock as Rudhra's will held firm against Bhairava's.
His bloodline spirit materialized behind him, its ethereal form shimmering with power as it absorbed and dispersed the crushing force. Not only did Rudhra withstand the pressure, but he also appeared completely unfazed, his expression as calm and composed as ever.
The onlookers were stunned into silence. It was one thing to have a martial will at such a young age, but to have one this strong was unheard of. Even King Bhairava, who had intended the test as a lighthearted challenge, found himself impressed.
Before the shock could fully settle, another group made their entrance, this time from the Vanguard Sect. The Great Elder led the way, his steps purposeful and his presence commanding. Behind him was a group of children, among them the familiar figure of Aryan, the "Fatty" whom Rudhra had grown fond of.
Rudhra's eyes lit up when he saw the group, and without a second thought, he turned away from the stunned onlookers. "It's boring here," he said casually, more to himself than anyone else. "I'm going to see Fatty."
He walked away with an air of nonchalance, Miko trailing behind him with his bottle in hand. As he crossed the Elf group, he paused briefly and turned to Aelina, his tone as direct as ever. "Are you coming?"
Aelina blinked in surprise, momentarily forgetting where she was. "Hmm," she responded, almost instinctively, and without a second thought, she followed him.
Lady Ilyana's eyes twitched at the sight, a mixture of irritation and amusement bubbling within her. It wasn't Rudhra's strength or potential that got to her—it was his casual, almost dismissive attitude. How could a boy so young be so indifferent to the presence of such powerhouses? And her niece, usually so spirited and troublesome, was now following him without a word of protest.
The other children from the Elf group were equally shocked. They had always known Aelina to be a troublemaker, a spoiled princess who never took orders from anyone. And yet, here she was, meekly following a boy, a mere child, without question.
Rudhra reached Aryan, who looked up from where he was sitting and grinned. "Rudhra! Finally, someone interesting!" Aryan greeted him with genuine enthusiasm.
"Do you have any meat?" Rudhra asked directly, his eyes scanning the area.
Aryan chuckled, rummaging through his pack before pulling out a large piece of cooked meat. "Here, I saved this for later, but I guess we can share."
As Rudhra took the meat and began eating, Miko clambered up onto Aryan's shoulder, chattering excitedly as he sipped from his bottle. The scene was almost surreal—a group of children casually eating and talking while the most powerful figures on the continent looked on in disbelief.
The Great Elder, sensing the awkwardness in the air, cleared his throat and awkwardly tried to steer the conversation back to the upcoming trials. "So, as I was saying… the Mystic Dimension this year promises to be quite the spectacle…"
But the attention of the gathered demigods and powerhouses was still on Rudhra, the boy who had just brushed off a challenge from one of the most powerful beings on the continent, and then casually walked away as if it was nothing.
As the conversations continued, the tension in the air slowly began to dissipate, but the impression Rudhra left lingered in the minds of all present